Thursday, April 15, 2010

Not the final Banzai (Updated)

[ Update: After reaching Mr. Kim's daughter Christina, we learned this morning that Café Banzai is indeed looking for a new space, so the business isn't technically closed after all, just in transition. The Kims are currently scouting for just the right location (with more space being a key component), and as of today, don't know even what part of town in which they might land.

"My dad wants to thank everyone for helping his business grow," says Christina. "He wants everyone to know that he does plan on opening a new location."

In Café Banzai's place, Christina believes another restaurant venture is in the process of opening. More on them as soon as we find out who they are and what type food it'll be. — MS ]

Here's a bit of current food news, including one sad recent closure and several upcoming events:

• Café Banzai, the ultra-cheap and wholly tasty Korean/Japanese outfit located next to the Rocket Room, closed recently. From the beginning, we worried about the sleepy Pueblo Avenue location for the eatery, hoping that Mr. Kwi Kim's charm and $5 lunch specials would prevail. Here's hoping we see his food spring up elsewhere in town soon.

• Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, April 14, and continuing on April 21 and 28, you can participate in the Pikes Peak United Way Women's Leadership Council Dine United event to benefit local children's literacy. Simply dine at one of the following restaurants, all of which will donate a portion of each day's profits:

• Attend a whiskey dinner at the Warehouse Restaurant and Gallery at 6 p.m., Friday, April 16, with Robert Sickler, master of whisky. Seats are $60 for the six-course, whiskey-paired menu by chef Lawrence "Chip" Johnson: